Childhood Influences Steph Beito-Ziemer

Then and Now Past: One career, many jobs Present: Seven to eight careers Past: One career, many jobs Present: Seven to eight careers

Experts’ Perspective “We know relatively little about how children learn about and prepare for work. …it is imperative to gain a better understanding of the childhood career development process to better prepare children for their future.” (Schultheiss & Stead, 2004) “We know relatively little about how children learn about and prepare for work. …it is imperative to gain a better understanding of the childhood career development process to better prepare children for their future.” (Schultheiss & Stead, 2004)

What I Wanted to Know Is there a relationship between childhood influences and business communicators’ career choice?

Approach I Used Prepared paper-based survey; 22 questions Mailed survey, cover letter; offered incentive Administered via U.S. mail to: International Association of Business Communicators, MN Chapter, members Minnesota Health Strategy and Communication Network members Prepared paper-based survey; 22 questions Mailed survey, cover letter; offered incentive Administered via U.S. mail to: International Association of Business Communicators, MN Chapter, members Minnesota Health Strategy and Communication Network members

Results Received high response: 417 (64%) More than 97% currently work in business communications 78% female, 22% male Received high response: 417 (64%) More than 97% currently work in business communications 78% female, 22% male

Leadership Now: Prepared for leadership roles in work assignments? Childhood: Which activities helped develop leadership skills? More than 68% of those prepared for leadership roles now indicate childhood volunteer activities helped develop their leadership skills. Now: Prepared for leadership roles in work assignments? Childhood: Which activities helped develop leadership skills? More than 68% of those prepared for leadership roles now indicate childhood volunteer activities helped develop their leadership skills.

Teamwork Now: Teamwork is critical for success? Childhood: Which activities helped develop teamwork skills? More than 93% of those who believe teamwork is critical indicate childhood team sports helped develop their teamwork skills. Now: Teamwork is critical for success? Childhood: Which activities helped develop teamwork skills? More than 93% of those who believe teamwork is critical indicate childhood team sports helped develop their teamwork skills.

Communication Skills Now: Communication skills are essential? Childhood: Which activities helped develop communication skills? More than 81% of those who believe communication skills are essential now indicate childhood volunteer activities helped develop their communication skills. Now: Communication skills are essential? Childhood: Which activities helped develop communication skills? More than 81% of those who believe communication skills are essential now indicate childhood volunteer activities helped develop their communication skills.

Confidence Now: Confident in ability to perform tasks? Childhood: Which activities helped develop confidence? More than 87% of those who are confident now indicate childhood individual sports helped develop their confidence. Now: Confident in ability to perform tasks? Childhood: Which activities helped develop confidence? More than 87% of those who are confident now indicate childhood individual sports helped develop their confidence.

Self-Esteem Now: Have high self-esteem contributing to quality work? Childhood: Which activities helped develop self-esteem? More than 80% of those who now have high self-esteem indicate childhood individual sports helped develop their self-esteem. Now: Have high self-esteem contributing to quality work? Childhood: Which activities helped develop self-esteem? More than 80% of those who now have high self-esteem indicate childhood individual sports helped develop their self-esteem.

Other Results impact Parents’ career choice has little impact - 78% didn’t consider entering parents’ career as a child career as a child - Of those that did consider, just 4% actually did so as an adult actually did so as an adult Teachers have the most influence during childhood regarding career decisions. impact Parents’ career choice has little impact - 78% didn’t consider entering parents’ career as a child career as a child - Of those that did consider, just 4% actually did so as an adult actually did so as an adult Teachers have the most influence during childhood regarding career decisions.

Other Results The school subject, English, is The school subject, English, is important - 40% indicate English was favorite elementary school subject - 80% indicate English is most closely related to their current career - 41% indicated both of the above The school subject, English, is The school subject, English, is important - 40% indicate English was favorite elementary school subject - 80% indicate English is most closely related to their current career - 41% indicated both of the above

What Does It Mean? Is there a relationship between childhood influences and business communicators’ career choice?YES! YES!

Recommendations Universities Professional Membership Organizations Elementary School Teachers Individuals Universities Professional Membership Organizations Elementary School Teachers Individuals

Questions?